6 best places to visit in Kandy

Go back to the reign of the kings, pay homage to majestic shrines, and bask in the glory of the greenest gardens in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. Here is what a holiday to Kandy would entail.

Sri Dalada Maligawa

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Sri Dalada Maligawa which is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees in the island nation and the world over. Well known for housing the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, the shrine denotes features of Kandyan architecture and is covered in carvings of exquisite richness utilising ivory, gold, silver, and bronze.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

Inaugurated in 1843 by the British, the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens which borders the mighty Mahaveli River is where over 4,000 species of plant life can be discovered. These include medicinal plants, spices, orchids, and palm trees of which the latter towers over its inhabitants. In the event you seek a good abode to launch your travels from, then make note of Hotel Topaz which is a cosy hotel Kandy has to offer.

Embekka Devalaya

Built during the Gampola Era by King Vikramabahu III, the Embekka Devalaya comes across as a work of art dedicated to fine wooden carvings and masterful workmanship. Even the nails used in its construction are made of wood.

Ceylon Tea Museum

Delve into the heart of tea production at the Ceylon Tea Museum which is found in the hills of Hantane. Explore the machinery once put to use, purchase your own souvenirs and have a look through the telescope on the 4th floor, and be greeted by stunning vistas of Kandy.

British Garrison Cemetery

Stroll through the British Garrison Cemetery where colonial-era British officers and their families were laid to rest. Inspect the detailed gravestones of a cemetery that officially terminated burials in 1873.

Katusu Konda

Yearning for some trekking? Then consider making your way up Katusu Konda which is a tall peak inclusive of a narrow tip that represents a lizard’s back. Once atop, you can look out across deep green valleys and slopes that will leave you breathless.